Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has hailed Nigeria’s Flamingos for wining the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, saying the victory marks a defining moment for Nigerian sports and African football at large.
“What wonderful news to return home to! Our young girls have conquered the world and given Nigerians everywhere another reason to celebrate our great country,” the President said in a congratulatory message issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening grassroots sports development and creating more opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, to discover, develop and realise their potential.
“Today, Nigeria celebrates you. You have written your names in gold, and your country is immensely proud of you,” Tinubu said.
The Flamingos clinched the historic title on Saturday after defeating Japan 2-1 in the final played in Rabat, Morocco, ending Africa’s long wait for the global youth women’s football crown.
The Flamingos made history by becoming the first African team to win the competition since its inception in 2008.
He urged the Flamingos to sustain the winning spirit, describing their achievement as a moment that would remain a source of inspiration and national pride.
He also congratulated the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission for their respective contributions to the team’s historic campaign.
According to him, the achievement has placed the players in the nation’s sporting history and demonstrated that Nigerian girls can compete and excel at the highest level when given the necessary opportunities and support.
The President said the triumph would inspire millions of young Nigerian girls to pursue their ambitions, stressing that hard work, opportunity and determination could open doors to the highest levels of achievement.
